My Must-Read Essentials

Every reader has their favorite books, and I am no different. But most of the time my reasoning for something being my "favorite" doesn't translate to words. It's just a feeling, an indescribable enjoyment I had while reading, a presence that still lingers long after I've finished the last page.

On the other hand, there are what I would call "must-reads": the books that I recommend to others for specific reasons. Some of these also fall under my favorites, but for all on this list I have tangible reasons for wanting to share these with everyone I know.



Siddhartha by Herman Hesse  

By far my favorite required reading book from high school, the story follows a young man's journey through different faiths and life experiences, as he tries to find his own kind of Nirvana and purpose in life. A simple and yet thought-provoking tale, it may inspire you to go on your own journey of self-discovery. Throughout the years, Siddhartha has remained my go-to book whenever asked "What is your favorite book?" and one of the few books I've read over and over again.




Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Life and Love from Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed

How can someone so messed up give such good advice? This is the question that will pop into your head at some point while reading this collection of letters and responses from Cheryl Strayed's internet advice column "Dear Sugar." But as you continue your journey through strangers' problems and concerns, and Strayed continues to open up about her own experiences and struggles, you realize only someone who has made the mistakes, fallen to rock bottom, owned up to their problems, and climbed out of their self-made hole could dish out this kind of honest, brutal, and sage advice. While not everything broached in this book may be relevant to you, there is truly something for everyone enclosed in these pages, whether you choose to accept it or not.


The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger  

To be honest, it's been quite a few years since I've read this classic, so my recollection might not be the best, but what I do remember is that I couldn't put it down and when I was finished it stayed with me. A must-read not only because it is a classic, but also because it brings us all back to our teenage angst and the feeling we may still have that the world is a cruel place, but maintaining innocence is a fruitless task.


Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

Another throwback to required high school reading, this play investigates the American dream and one man's failure to attain it. Whether is was the system working against him, or choices he made that led to his destruction, the story offers a reflection of the working class, family, and self-destruction. A quintessential American read.


Love that Dog by Sharon Creech

A book comprised of poems, the story follows a grade school student exploring his life through a poetry journal. In a very short time, the poems cover topics fun, silly, heart-wrenching, and everything in between. A quick read, the author explores topics of family, friendship, and death, all through the eyes of a young child and the medium of poetry.





The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Don't let the description of post-apocalyptic novel deter you from picking up this book that explores a relationship between father and son, as it was published before the recent trend occurred, and it uses the harsh setting as an examination of humanity more than as a way to bring readers in (there are no zombies). Though sometimes the imagery and scenarios described make it hard to read, the underlying themes and situations presented make it a worthwhile exploration of what it means to love someone at all costs. You'll ask yourself more than once "what would I do in that situation?"


Night by Elie Wiesel

One of many notable memoirs about the Holocaust, Elie Wiesel's frank but beautiful writing illustrates the struggle to survive and keep faith and hope during the horrifying experience he was forced to endure.


Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Another book considered a classic, Ray Bradbury's futuristic tale makes a case for the importance of literature, and the potentially devastating effects of censorship. An important read for any self-described book-nut who couldn't imagine a world without books.

Happy Reading!

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